From molecular to colloidal manganese vanadium oxides for water oxidation catalysis

Abstract

The spontaneous, sonication-driven conversion of a molecular manganese vanadium oxide water oxidation catalyst, (n-Bu₄N)₃[Mn₄V₄O₁₇(OAc)₃] × 3H₂O, into colloidal manganese vanadium oxide particles (average particle size ca. 70 nm) together with their stability and chemical water oxidation activity is reported. The nanoparticulate metal oxide colloid (approximate composition: VMn₅O₁₀·ca. 6H₂O·ca. 0.2nBu₄N⁺) is formed spontaneously when the molecular precursor is sonicated in water. The particles show water oxidation activity when combined with Ce^IV as the oxidant, are stable even under highly acidic reaction conditions and can be recovered and reused.